Chap 1

Real Numbers

Page 1

#
#CHAPTER
1
#Rea l Numbers
##Summar
1.

2.
3.

4.
5.

6.

7.

8.
9.

Algorithm : An algorithm means a series of well

defined step which gives a procedure for solving a
type of problem.
Lemma : A lemma is a proven statement used for
proving another statement.
Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic : Every
composite number can be expressed (factorised) as
a product of primes and this factorisation is unique
apart from the order in which the prime factors occur.
If p is prime number and p divides a2 , then p divides
a , where a is a positive integer.
If x be any rational number whose decimal expansion
p
terminates, then we can express x in the form , where
q
p and q are co-prime and the prime factorisation of
q is of the form 2n # 5m, where n and m are nonnegative integers.
Let x = qp be a rational number such that the prime
factorisation of q is not of the form 2n # 5m, where n
and m are non-negative integers, then x has a decimal
expansion which terminates.
Let x = qp be a rational number such that the prime
factorisation of q is not of the form 2n # 5m, where
n and m are non-negative integers, then x has a
decimal expansion which is non-terminating repeating
(recurring).
For any two positive integers p and q , HCF ^p, q h #
LCM ^p, q h = p # q .
For any three positive integers p, q and r ,
LCM ^p, q, r h =
HCF ^p, q, r h =

p # q # r # HCF ^p, q, r h
HCF ^p, q h # HCF ^q, r h # HCF ^p, r h

p # q # r # LCM ^p, q, r h
LCM ^p, q h # LCM ^q, r h # LCM ^p, r h

##ONE MARK
##Multiple
1.

QUESTION

Choice

Question

The sum of exponents of prime factors in the primefactorisation of 196 is

(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 5

(d) 2

##Ans :

[Board 2020 OD Standard]

Prime factors of 196,

196 = 4 # 49

= 22 # 72
The sum of exponents of prime factor is 2 + 2 = 4 .
Thus (b) is correct option.
2.

The total number of factors of prime number is

(a) 1
(b) 0
(c) 2

(d) 3

##Ans :

[Board 2020 Delhi Standard]

There are only two factors (1 and number

itself) of any prime number.
Thus (c) is correct option.
3.

The HCF and the LCM of 12, 21, 15 respectively are

(a) 3, 140
(b) 12, 420
(c) 3, 420

(d) 420, 3

##Ans :
We have
[Board 2020 Delhi Standard]

12 = 2 # 2 # 3
21 = 3 # 7
15 = 3 # 5

HCF(12, 21, 15) = 3

LCM (12, 21, 15) = 2 # 2 # 3 # 5 # 7 = 420
Thus (c) is correct option.
Page 2
4.

Real Numbers

11 will
23 # 5
(a) terminate after 1 decimal place

Chap 1

(c) 6

The decimal representation of

(d) 12

##Ans :

[Board 2020 Delhi Basic]

Using prime factorization method,

(b) terminate after 2 decimal place

144 = 2 # 2 # 2 # 2 # 3 # 3

(c) terminate after 3 decimal places

= 2 4 # 32

(d) not terminate

##Ans :

[Board 2020 SQP Standard]

11 = 11
2 #5
23 # 51
Denominator of 2 11# 5 is of the form 2m # 5n , where
m , n are non- negative integers. Hence, 2 11# 5 has
terminating decimal expansion.
We have

198 = 2 # 3 # 3 # 11

and

= 2 # 32 # 11

HCF(144, 198) = 2 # 32 = 2 # 9 = 18

Thus (b) is correct option.

3

Now

11 = 11
52
# 2
3
2 #5
2 #5
5

8.

= 113 # 53 = 11 #3 25 = 0.275
2 #5
10

225 can be expressed as

(a) 5 # 32

(b) 52 # 3

(c) 52 # 32

(d) 53 # 3

##Ans :

[Board 2020 Delhi Basic]

By prime factorization of 225, we have

So , it will terminate after 3 decimal places.

225 = 3 # 3 # 5 # 5

Thus (c) is correct option.

5.

= 32 # 52 or 52 # 32
Thus (c) is correct option.

The LCM of smallest two digit composite number and

smallest composite number is
(a) 12
(b) 4
(c) 20

(d) 44

##Ans :
9.

[Board 2020 SQP Standard]

Smallest two digit composite number is 10 and

smallest composite number is 4.
LCM (10, 4) = 20

23
The decimal expansion of 2 #
will terminate after
5
how many places of decimal?
(a) 2
(b) 4
5

(c) 5

[Board 2020 OD Basic]

23 # 53
23
2 = 5
2 #5
2 # 52 # 53
5

HCF of two numbers is 27 and their LCM is 162. If

one of the numbers is 54, then the other number is
(a) 36
(b) 35

= 5# 5 =
5

(c) 9

= 0.02875
=

(d) 81

##Ans :

[Board 2020 OD Basic]

Let y be the second number.

Since, product of two numbers is equal to product of
LCM and HCM,
54 # y = LCM # HCF
54 # y = 162 # 27
y = 162 # 27 = 81
54
Thus (b) is correct option.
7.
(d) 1

##Ans :

Thus (c) is correct option.

6.

HCF of 144 and 198 is

(a) 9

23 125
2 #5

2875
(10)

2875
100000
will terminate after 5 five decimal

Hence, 5 23 2
2 #5
places.
Thus (c) is correct option.

10. The decimal expansion of the rational number 14587

1250
will terminate after
(a) one decimal place
(b) two decimal places
(c) three decimal places
##Ans :

(d) four decimal places

[Board 2020 Delhi Standard]

Rational number,
(b) 18

23
14587 = 14587 = 14587
#
1
4
1
4
1250
23
2 #5
2 #5
Chap 1

Real Numbers

Page 3

# 8 = 116696

= 14587
(10) 4
24 # 54

(c) 2m

= 11.6696

We know that even integers are 2, 4, 6, ...

So, it can be written in the form of 2m where m is
a integer.

(d) 2m + 1

##Ans :

Hence, given rational number will terminate after four

decimal places.
Thus (d) is correct option.

m = ..., − 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
2m = ..., − 2, 0, 2, 4, 6, ...

No Need to Buy any Question Bank or Sample Chapter From

Market. Download Free PDF of all Study Material from

Thus (c) is correct option.

15. For some integer q , every odd integer is of the form
(a) q
(b) q + 1
(d) 2q + 1

(c) 2q
11. 2.35 is
(a) an integer

(b) a rational number

(c) an irrational number

(d) a natural number

##Ans :

[Board 2020 Delhi Basic]

2.35 is a rational number because it is a non

terminating repeating decimal.
Thus (b) is correct option.
12. 2 3 is
(a) an integer

(b) a rational number

(c) an irrational number

(d) a whole number

##Ans :

[Board 2020 OD Basic]

Let us assume that 2 3 is a rational number.

Now
or

2 3 = r where r is rational number

3 =r
2

We know that odd integers are 1, 3, 5, ...

So, it can be written in the form of 2q + 1 where q is
integer.
q = ..., − 2, − 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
2q + 1 = ..., − 3, − 1, 1, 3, 5, 7, ...
Thus (d) is correct option.
16. If two positive integers a and b are written as a = x3 y2
and b = xy3 , where x , y are prime numbers, then
HCF ^a, b h is
(a) xy
(b) xy2
(c) x3 y3

13. The product of a non-zero rational and an irrational

number is
(a) always irrational
(b) always rational
(d) one

##Ans :
Product of a non-zero rational and an
irrational number is always irrational i.e.,
3
2 = 3 4 2 which is irrational.
4 #
Thus (a) is correct option.
14. For some integer m , every even integer is of the form
(a) m
(b) m + 1

(d) x2 y2

##Ans :
We have

Now, we know that

3 is an irrational
number, So, r2 has to be irrational to make
the equation true. This is a contradiction to
our assumption. Thus, our assumption is wrong and
2 3 is an irrational number.
Thus (c) is correct option.

(c) rational or irrational

##Ans :

a = x3 y2 = x # x # x # y # y
b = xy3 = x # y # y # y
HCF(a , b ) = HCF ^x3 y3, xy3h

= x # y # y = xy2
HCF is the product of the smallest power of each
common prime factor involved in the numbers.
Thus (b) is correct option.
17. If two positive integers p and q can be expressed as
p = ab2 and q = a3 b ; where a , b being prime numbers,
then LCM ^p, q h is equal to
(b) a2 b2
(a) ab
(c) a3 b2

(d) a3 b3

##Ans :
We have

p = ab2 = a # b # b

and

q = a3 b = a # a # a # b
LCM(p , q ) = LCM ^ab2, a3 b h
Page 4

Real Numbers

= a # b # b # a # a = a3 b2
LCM is the product of the greatest power of each
prime factor involved in the numbers.
Thus (c) is correct option.

Chap 1

= 2520
Thus (d) is correct option.

18. The values of x and y in the given figure are

20. If p1 and p2 are two odd prime numbers such that

p1 > p2 , then p 12 - p 22 is
(a) an even number
(b) an odd number
(c) an odd prime number

(d) a prime number

##Ans :
(a) 7, 13

(b) 13, 7

(c) 9, 12

(d) 12, 9

##Ans :
1001 = x # 143 & x = 7
143 = y # 11 & y = 13
x = 7 , y = 13

Hence

Thus (a) is correct option.

19. The least number that is divisible by all the numbers
from 1 to 10 (both inclusive)
(a) 10
(b) 100
(c) 504

(d) 2520

##Ans :

p 12 - p 22 is an even number.
p1 = 5

Let us take

p2 = 3
and
Then,

2
1

p - p 22 = 25 − 9 = 16

16 is an even number.
Thus (a) is correct option.
p
then
21. The rational form of 0.254 is in the form of
q
^p + q h is
(a) 14

(b) 55

(c) 69

(d) 79

##Ans :
x = 0.254 , then

Let,

Factor of 1 to 10 numbers
1 =1

x = 0.2545454 ...........
Multiplying equation (1) by 100, we get
100x = 25.4545 . .........

2 = 1#2
3 = 1#3

99x = 25.2 & x = 252 = 14

990
55
Comparing with

6 = 1#2#3
7 = 1#7
8 = 1#2#2#2
9 = 1#3#3
10 = 1 # 2 # 5
LCM(1 to 10) = LCM ^1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10h

= 1#2#2#3#3#5#7

...(2)

Subtracting equation (1) from equation. (2), we get

4 = 1#2#2
5 = 1#5

...(1)

p
, we get
q
p = 14

and
Hence,

q = 55
p + q = 14 + 55 = 69

#
#Alternative
0.254 = 254 − 2 = 252 = 14
990 55
990
Thus (c) is correct option.
Chap 1

Real Numbers
3125 = 55 = 55 # 2 0

22. The rational number of the form qp , q ! 0 , p and

q are positive integers, which represents 0.134 i.e.,
(0.1343434 ..........) is
(a) 134
999

(b) 134
990

(c) 133
999
##Ans :

(d) 133
990
0.134 = 134 − 1 = 133
990
990

Thus (d) is correct option.

(d) 23
8

For terminating decimal expansion, denominator

must the form of 2m # 5n where n, m are non-negative
integers.
Here,

23 = 23
8
23

24. If x = 0.7 , then 2x is

(b) 1.5

(c) 1.54

(d) 1.45

##Ans :
x = 0.7

(d) 2, 3 and 13

##Ans :
313 - 310 = 310 (33 − 1) = 310 (26)

= 2 # 13 # 310
Hence, 313 - 310 is divisible by 2, 3 and 13.
Thus (d) is correct option.
27. 1. The L.C.M. of x and 18 is 36.
2. The H.C.F. of x and 18 is 2.
What is the number x ?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(d) 4

##Ans :
LCM # HCF = First number # second number
required number = 36 # 2 = 4
18
Thus (d) is correct option.
28. If a = 23 # 3 , b = 2 # 3 # 5 , c = 3n # 5
LCM (a, b, c) = 23 # 32 # 5, then n is
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3

10x = 7.7

##Ans :

9x = 7

Value of n must be 2.
Thus (b) is correct option.

x =7
9
2x = 14 = 1.555 ..........
9

= 1.5
25. Which of the following rational number have nonterminating repeating decimal
expansion?
(a) 31
(b) 71
3125
512
(c) 23
200
##Ans :

26. The number 313 - 310 is divisible by

(a) 2 and 3
(b) 3 and 10

Hence,

(a) 1.4

Subtracting,

Thus 3125, 512 and 200 has factorization of the form

2m # 5n (where m and n are whole numbers). So
given fractions has terminating decimal expansion.
Thus (d) is correct option.

(c) 3

Here only 2 is factor of denominator so terminating.

Thus (d) is correct option.
We have

200 = 2 3 # 52

(c) 2, 3 and 10

23. Which of the following will have a terminating decimal

expansion?
(a) 77
(b) 23
30
210
(c) 125
441
##Ans :

512 = 2 9 = 2 9 # 5 0

(d) None of these

and

(d) 4

29. The least number which is a perfect square and is

divisible by each of 16, 20 and 24 is
(a) 240
(b) 1600
(c) 2400

(d) 3600

##Ans :
The LCM of 16, 20 and 24 is 240. The least multiple
of 240 that is a perfect square is 3600 and also we can
easily eliminate choices (a) and (c) since they are not
perfect square number. 1600 is not multiple of 240.
Thus (d) is correct option.
Real Numbers
30. n2 - 1 is divisible by 8, if n is
(a) an integer
(b) a natural number
(c) an odd integer

(d) an even integer

##Ans :

For n2 - 1 to be divisible by 8 (even number), n2 - 1

should be even. It means n2 should be odd i.e. n
should be odd.
n = 2k + 1

If n is odd,

where k is an integer

a = ^2k + 1h2 − 1

= 4k2 + 4k + 1 − 1

= 4k2 + 4k
a = 4k ^k + 1h

a = 4 ^− 1h^− 1 + 1h = 0

At k =− 1,

which is divisible by 8.

a = 4 ^0 h + ^0 + 1h = 0

At k = 0 ,

which is divisible by 8.
Hence, we can conclude from above two cases, if n is
odd, then n2 - 1 is divisible by 8.
Thus (c) is correct option.
31. When 2256 is divided by 17 the remainder would be
(a) 1
(b) 16
(c) 14

(d) None of these

##Ans : (a) 1
256

is divided by 17 then,
4 64

(2 )
2
= 4
24 + 1
(2 + 1)
256

By remainder theorem when f (x) is divided by x + a

the remainder is f (- a).
Here,

(b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but
reason (R) is not the correct explanation of
assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false but reason (R) is true.

a = n2 − 1

Let,

When 2

Chap 1

f (x) = (2 4) 64 and x = 2 4 and a = 1

Hence, remainder f (- 1) = (− 1) 64 = 1
Thus (a) is correct option.

32. Assertion : 13 is a terminating decimal fraction.

3125
m

Reason : If q = 2 5 where m, n are non-negative

integers, then qp is a terminating decimal fraction.
(a) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and
reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion
(A).

##Ans :
We have

3125 = 55 = 55 # 2 0

Since the factors of the denominator 3125

13
is of the form 20 # 55 , 3125
is a terminating
decimal
Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason
(R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A)
Thus (a) is correct option.
33. Assertion : 34.12345 is a terminating decimal fraction.
Reason : Denominator of 34.12345, when expressed
in the form qp , q ! 0 , is of the form 2m # 5n , where
m and n are non-negative integers.
(a) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and
reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion
(A).
(b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but
reason (R) is not the correct explanation of
assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false but reason (R) is true.
##Ans :
34.12345 = 3412345 = 682469 = 682469
20000
100000
25 # 5 4
Its denominator is of the form 2m # 5n , where
m = 5 and n = 4 which are non-negative
integers.
Thus both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and
reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
Thus (a) is correct option.
34. Assertion : The HCF of two numbers is 5 and their
product is 150, then their LCM is 30
Reason : For any two positive integers a and b,
HCF ^a, b h + LCM ^a, b h = a # b .
(a) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and
reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion
(A).
(b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but
reason (R) is not the correct explanation of
assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false but reason (R) is true.
##Ans : (c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
Chap 1

Real Numbers

We have,

LCM ^a, b h # HCF ^a, b h = a # b

LCM # 5 = 150

LCM = 150 = 30
5
Thus (c) is correct option.

##Fill in the

Blank

Question

35. If every positive even integer is of the form 2q , then

every positive odd integer is of the form .........., where
q is some integer.
##Ans :

36. The exponent of 2 in the prime factorisation of 144, is

..........
##Ans :
4
2 , 3,
##Ans :

Question

43. What is the HCF of smallest primer number and the

smallest composite number?
[Board 2018]
##Ans :
Smallest prime number is 2 and smallest composite
number is 4. HCF of 2 and 4 is 2.
44. Write one rational and one irrational number
lying between 0.25 and 0.32.
##Ans :
[Board 2020 SQP Standard]
Given numbers are 0.25 and 0.32.

2q + 1

37.

##Very Short Answer

7 , etc. are .......... numbers.

Irrational
38. Every point on the number line corresponds to a
.......... number.
##Ans :
Real
39. The product of three numbers is .......... to the product
of their HCF and LCM.
##Ans :
Not equal
40. If p is a prime number and it divides a2 then it also
divides .........., where a is a positive integer.
##Ans :
a
41. Every real number is either a .......... number
or an .......... number.
##Ans :
Rational, irrational
42. Numbers having non-terminating, non-repeating
decimal expansion are known as ..........
##Ans :
Irrational numbers

Clearly

0.30 = 30 = 3
100
10

Thus 0.30 is a rational number lying between 0.25

and 0.32. Also 0.280280028000.....has non-terminating
non-repeating decimal expansion. It is an irrational
number lying between 0.25 and 0.32.
45. If HCF(336, 54) = 6 , find LCM(336, 54).
##Ans :
[Board 2019 OD]
HCF # LCM = Product of number
6 # LCM = 336 # 54
LCM = 336 # 54
6

= 56 # 54 = 3024
Thus LCM of 336 and 54 is 3024.
46. Explain why 13233343563715 is a composite number?
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2016]
The number 13233343563715 ends in 5.
Hence it is a multiple of 5. Therefore it is a
composite number.
47. a and b are two positive integers such that the least
prime factor of a is 3 and the least prime factor of b
is 5. Then calculate the least prime factor of (a + b).
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2014]
Here a and b are two positive integers such
that the least prime factor of a is 3 and the
least prime factor of b is 5. The least prime
factor of (a + b) would be 2.
48. What is the HCF of the smallest composite number
and the smallest prime number?
##Ans :
Page 8

Real Numbers

The smallest prime number is 2 and the smallest

composite number is 4 = 22 .
Hence, required HCF is (22, 2) = 2 .
49. Calculate the HCF of 33 ×5 and 32 ×52 .
##Ans :
We have

[Board 2007]

33 ×5 = 32 ×5 # 3
32 ×52 = 32 ×5 # 5

Chap 1

decimal expansion non-repeating and non-terminating.

54. Calculate 3 in the decimal form.
8
##Ans :
We have

[Board 2008]

3 = 3 = 2 # 53
8
23
23 # 53

= 3753 = 375
1, 000
10

= 0.375

HCF (33 ×5, 32 ×52) = 32 ×5

= 9×5 = 45
50. If HCF (a, b) = 12 and a×b = 1, 800 , then find LCM
(a, b).
##Ans :
We know that
HCF (a, b) # LCM (a, b) = a×b
Substituting the values we have
12×LCM (a, b) = 1800
or,

LCM (a, b) =

1, 800
= 150
12

51. What is the condition for the decimal expansion of a

rational number to terminate? Explain with the help
of an example.
##Ans :
The decimal expansion of a rational number
terminates, if the denominator of rational
number can be expressed as 2m 5n where m
and n are non negative integers and p and q
both co-primes.
e.g.

3 =
3
= 0.3
10
21 # 51

52. Find the smallest positive rational number by which

1
7 should be multiplied so that its decimal expansion
terminates after 2 places of decimal.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2016]
1
7 = 1 = 0.01.
100
7 # 100
Thus smallest rational number is 7
100
Since

53. What type of decimal expansion does a rational

number has? How can you distinguish it from decimal
expansion of irrational numbers?
[Board Term-1 2016]
##Ans :
A rational number has its decimal expansion
either terminating or non-terminating,
repeating An irrational numbers has its

6
55. The decimal representation of 1250
will terminate after
how many places of decimal?
##Ans :
[Board 2009]

We have

6 # 23
6 = 6
4 =
1250
2#5
2 # 23 # 5 4

3
3

= 64×2 4 = 6×24
2 ×5
(10)
= 48 = 0.0048
10000
Thus 6 will terminate after 4 decimal places.
1250
56. Find the least number that is divisible by all numbers
between 1 and 10 (both inclusive).
##Ans :
[Board 2010]
The required number is the LCM of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10,
LCM = 2 # 2 # 3 # 2 # 3 # 5 # 7

= 2520
57. Write whether rational number 757 will have
terminating decimal expansion or a non-terminating
decimal.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2017, SQP]
We have

7 = 7
75
3×52

Since denominator of given rational number

is not of form 2m ×5n , Hence, It is nonterminating decimal expansion.
Chap 1

Real Numbers

##TWO MARKS

QUESTION

Page 9

We have

90 = 9 # 10 = 9 # 2 # 5

= 2 # 32 # 5
58. If HCF of 144 and 180 is expressed in the form
13m - 16 . Find the value of m .
##Ans :
[Board 2020 SQP Standard]

144 = 16 # 9

and

= 2 4 # 32
HCF = 2 # 32 = 18

According to Euclid’s algorithm any number a can be

written in the form,
a = bq + r where 0 # r < b
Applying Euclid’s division lemma on 144 and 180 we
have
180 = 144 # 1 + 36
144 = 36 # 4 + 0
Here, remainder is 0 and divisor is 36. Thus HCF of
144 and 180 is 36.
36 = 13m − 16

Now

36 + 16 = 13m
52 = 13m & m = 4

LCM = 2 4 # 32 # 5 = 720
62. Given that HCF
(306, 1314)
##Ans :
We have

404 = 2 # 2 # 101

= 22 # 101

Find LCM
[Board Term-1 2013]
HCF (306, 1314) = 18
LCM (306, 1314) = ?

Let a = 306 and b = 1314 , then we have

LCM (a, b) # HCF (a, b) = a # b
Substituting values we have
LCM (a, b) ×18 = 306 # 1314

59. Find HCF and LCM of 404 and 96 and verify that
HCF # LCM = Product of the two given numbers.
##Ans :
[Board 2018]
We have

(306, 1314) = 18.

LCM (a, b) = 306 # 1314

18
LCM (306, 1314) = 22, 338
63. Complete the following factor tree and find the
composite number x .

96 = 2 # 2 # 2 # 2 # 2 # 3
= 25 # 3
HCF(404, 96) = 22 = 4
LCM(404, 96) = 101 # 25 # 3 = 9696
HCF # LCM = 4 # 9696 = 38784
Also,

404 # 96 = 38784

Hence, HCF # LCM = Product of 404 and 96

60. Find HCF of the numbers given below:
k, 2k, 3k, 4k and 5k, , where k is a positive integer.
##Ans :

[Board Term-1 2015, Set-FHN8MGD]

Here we can see easily that k is common factor

between all and this is highest factor Thus
HCF of k, 2k, 3k, 4k and 5k, is k .
61. Find the HCF and LCM of 90 and 144 by the method
of prime factorization.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012]

##Ans :

[Board Term-1 2015]

We have

y = 5×13 = 65

and

x = 3×195 = 585

64. Explain
why
and
(7 # 13 # 11) + 11
are
composite
(7 # 6 # 5 # 4 # 3 # 2 # 1) + 3
Page 10

Real Numbers

Chap 1

numbers.
##Ans :

[Board Term-1 2012, Set-64]

(7 # 13 # 11) + 11 = 11 # (7 # 13 + 1)

= 11 # (91 + 1)

= 11 # 92
and
(7 # 6 # 5 # 4 # 3 # 2 # 1) + 3
= 3 (7 # 6 # 5 # 4 # 2 # 1 + 1)

= 3 # (1681) = 3 # 41 # 41
Since given numbers have more than two prime
factors, both number are composite.

65. Complete the following factor tree and find the

composite number x

##Ans :
We have

66. Find the missing numbers a, b, c and d in the given

factor tree:

[Board Term-1 2015, Set DDE-M]

z = 371 = 53
7

##Ans :

y = 1855 # 3 = 5565

We have

a = 9009 = 3
3003
b = 1001 = 7
143

= 2 # y = 2 # 5565 = 11130
Thus complete factor tree is as given below.

[Board Term-1 2012]

Since
143 = 11 # 13,

Thus c = 11 and d = 13 or c = 13 and d = 11

Chap 1

Real Numbers

67. Complete the following factor tree and find the

composite number x .

A prime number (or a prime) is a natural number

greater than 1 that cannot be formed by multiplying
two smaller natural numbers. A natural number
greater than 1 that is not prime is called a composite
number. For example, 5 is prime because the only
ways of writing it as a product, 1 # 5 or 5 # 1,
involve 5 itself. However, 6 is composite because it
is the product of two numbers (2 # 3) that are both
smaller than 6. Every composite number can be
written as the product of two or more (not necessarily
distinct) primes.
3 # 12 # 101 + 4 = 4 (3 # 3 # 101 + 1)

= 4 (909 + 1)

= 4 (910)

= 2 # 2 # (10 # 7 # 13)

= 2 # 2 # 2 # 5 # 7 # 13

= a composite number

##Ans :

[Board Term-1 2015, 2014]

69. Complete the factor-tree and find the composite

number M .

We complete the given factor tree writing variable y

and z as following.

We have

z = 161 = 23
7
y = 7 # 161 = 1127

Composite number, x = 2 # 3381 = 6762

68. Explain whether 3 # 12 # 101 + 4 is a prime number
or a composite number.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2016-17 Set; 193RQTQ, 2015, DDE-E]

##Ans :
We have

[Board Term-1 2013]

91 = P # Q = 7 # 13
Real Numbers
So P = 7, Q = 13 or P = 13, Q = 7
O = 4095 = 3
1365
N = 2×8190 = 16380
Composite number,
M = 16380×2 = 32760
Thus complete factor tree is shown below.

70. Find the smallest natural number by which 1200

should be multiplied so that the square root of the
product is a rational number.
[Board Term-1 2016, 2015]
##Ans :
We have

1200 = 12 # 100

= 4 # 3 # 4 # 25

= 42 # 3 # 52
Here if we multiply by 3, then its square root will
be 4 # 3 # 5 which is a rational number. Thus the
required smallest natural number is 3.
71. Can two numbers have 15 as their HCF and
their LCM? Give reasons.
##Ans :

Chap 1

LCM of two numbers should be exactly divisible by

their HCF. Since, 15 does not divide 175, two numbers
cannot have their HCF as 15 and LCM as 175.
72. Check whether 4n can end with the digit 0 for any
natural number n .
[Board Term-1 2015, Set-FHN8MGD; NCERT]
##Ans :
If the number 4n, for any n, were to end with
the digit zero, then it would be divisible by
5 and 2.
That is, the prime factorization of 4n would contain
the prime 5 and 2. This is not possible because the
only prime in the factorization of 4n = 22n is 2. So, the
uniqueness of the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
guarantees that there are no other primes in the
factorization of 4n . So, there is no natural number
n for which 4n ends with the digit zero. Hence 4n
cannot end with the digit zero.

73. Show that 7n cannot end with the digit zero, for any
natural number n.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012, Set-63]
If the number 7n, for any n, were to end with
the digit zero, then it would be divisible by
5 and 2.
That is, the prime factorization of 7n would contain
the prime 5 and 2. This is not possible because the
only prime in the factorization of 7n = (1 # 7) n is 7.
So, the uniqueness of the Fundamental Theorem of
Arithmetic guarantees that there are no other primes
in the factorization of 7n . So, there is no natural
number n for which 7n ends with the digit zero. Hence
Chap 1

Real Numbers

7n cannot end with the digit zero.

is wrong. Hence, 5 6 is an irrational number.

74. Check whether (15) n can end with digit 0 for any
n ! N.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012]
If the number (15) n, for any n, were to end
with the digit zero, then it would be divisible
by 5 and 2.
That is, the prime factorization of (15) n would contain
the prime 5 and 2. This is not possible because the
only prime in the factorization of (15) n = (3 # 5) n are
3 and 5. The uniqueness of the Fundamental Theorem
of Arithmetic guarantees that there are no other
primes in the factorization of (15) n . Since there is no
prime factor 2, (15) n cannot end with the digit zero.
75. The length, breadth and height of a room are 8 m
50 cm, 6 m 25 cm and 4 m 75 cm respectively. Find
the length of the longest rod that can measure the
dimensions of the room exactly.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2016]
Here we have to determine the HCF of all length
which can measure all dimension.
Length,

= 52 # 5 # 4

= 53 # 22
Here denominator is 500 which can be written
as 22 ×53 .
Now decimal expansion,
257 = 257 # 2 = 514
500
2 # 22 # 53
103

= 0.514
78. Write a rational number between
##Ans :

h = 4 m 75 cm = 475 cm

225 = 15 = 5
3
100
10

Similarly if we choose 256, then we have

2

2
= HCF (2 # 5 # 17, 5 , 5 # 19)

= 52 = 25 cm
Thus 25 cm rod can measure the dimensions of the
room exactly. This is longest rod that can measure
exactly.
76. Show that 5 6 is an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2015]
Let 5 6 be a rational number, which can be expressed
as ab , where b ! 0; a and b are co-primes.
5 6 =a
b
6 = a
5b

But,

[K.V.S.]

2=

x =

HCF(l, b, h) = HCF (850, 625, 475)

or,

3.

Choosing any perfect square such as 225 or

256 in between 200 and 300, we have

= 25 # 19 = 52 # 19

Now

2 and

1 200 < < 1 300

x
10
10

b = 6 m 25 cm = 625 cm

500 = 25 # 20

We have

200 and 3 = 300

100
100
We need to find a rational number x such that
= 25 # 25 = 52 # 52
Height,

77. Write the denominator of the rational number 257

500 in
the form 2m ×5n, where m and n are non-negative
integers. Hence write its decimal expansion without
actual division.
##Ans :

We have

l = 8 m 50 cm = 850 cm

= 50 # 17 = 2 # 52 # 17
Breadth,

Page 13

6 = rational
6 is an irrational number. Thus, our assumption

x =

256 = 16 = 8
100
10
5

79. Write the rational number 757 will have a terminating

decimal expansion. or a non-terminating repeating
decimal.
##Ans :
[Board 2018 SQP]
We have

7 = 7
75
3 # 52

The denominator of rational number 757 can

not be written in form 2m 5n So it is nonterminating repeating decimal expansion.
80. Show that 571 is a prime number.
##Ans :
Let

x = 571
x =

571
Page 14

Real Numbers

Chap 1

Now 571 lies between the perfect squares of ^23h2 = 529

and ^24h2 = 576 . Prime numbers less than 24 are 2, 3,
5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23. Here 571 is not divisible by any
of the above numbers, thus 571 is a prime number.

Thus HCF of 104 and 96 is 12 i.e. 12 columns are

required.
Here we have solved using Euclid’s algorithm but you
can solve this problem by simple mehtod of HCF.

81. If two positive integers p and q are written as p = a2 b3

and q = a3 b, where a and b are prime numbers than
verify LCM (p, q) ×HCF (q, q) = pq
##Ans :
[Sample Paper 2017]

83. Given that 5 is irrational, prove that 2 5 - 3 is

an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board 2020 SQP Standard]

We have

p = a2 b3 = a # a # b # b # b

and

q = a3 b = a # a # a # b

Now

LCM (p, q) = a # a # a # b # b # b

= a3 b3
and

HCF (p, q) = a # a # b

= a2 b

Assume that 2 5 - 3 is a rational number. Therefore,

we can write it in the form of qp where p and q are
co-prime integers and q ! 0 .
Now

2 5 -3 =

where q ! 0 and p and q are co-prime integers.

Rewriting the above expression as,
p
2 5 = +3
q

LCM (p, q) ×HCF (p, q) = a3 b3 ×a2 b

= a5 b 4
= a 2 b 3 ×a 3 b

= pq

p
q

5 =

p + 3q
2q

Here p +2q3q is rational because p and q are co-prime

integers, thus 5 should be a rational number. But
5 is irrational. This contradicts the given fact that
5 is irrational. Hence 2 5 - 3 is an irrational
number.
84. Prove that 2 +5 3 is an irrational number, given that
3 is an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board 2019 Delhi]
Assume that 2 +5 3 is a rational number. Therefore, we
can write it in the form of qp where p and q are coprime integers and q ! 0 .

##THREE MARKS

QUESTION

2+ 3 = p
q
5
2+

82. An army contingent of 612 members is to march

behind an army band of 48 members in a parade.
The two groups are to march in the same number of
columns. What is the maximum number of columns in
which they can march?
[Board 2020 Delhi Basic]
##Ans :
Let the number of columns be x which is the largest
number, which should divide both 612 and 48. It
means x should be HCF of 612 and 48.
We can write 612 and 48 as follows
612 = 2 # 2 # 3 # 3 # 5 # 17
48 = 2 # 2 # 2 # 2 # 3
HCF(612, 28) = 2 # 2 # 3 = 12

3 =

5p
q

3 =
5p
−2
q

3 =

5p − 2q
q

Since, p and q are co-prime integers, then 5p -q 2q is a

rational number. But this contradicts the fact that
3 is an irrational number. So, our assumption is
wrong. Therefore 2 +5 3 is an irrational number.
85. Given that 3 is irrational, prove that (5 + 2 3 ) is
an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board 2020 Delhi Basic]
Assume that (5 + 2 3 ) is a rational number.
Therefore, we can write it in the form of qp where p
Chap 1

Real Numbers

and q are co-prime integers and q ! 0 .

5+2 3 =

Now

p
q

where q ! 0 and p and q are integers.

Rewriting the above expression as,
2 3 =

p
−5
q

3 =

p − 5q
2q

p - 5q
2q

Here
is rational because p and q are co-prime
integers, thus 3 should be a rational number. But
3 is irrational. This contradicts the given fact that
3 is irrational. Hence (5 + 2 3 ) is an irrational
number.
86. Prove that 2 + 5 3 is an irrational number, given
that 3 is an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board 2019 OD]
Assume that 2 + 5 3 is a rational number. Therefore,
we can write it in the form of qp where p and q are
co-prime integers and q ! 0 .
p
2+5 3 = , q ! 0
q
p
5 3 = −2
q
5 3 =

p − 2q
q

3 =

p − 2q
5q

Here 3 is irrational and p -5q2q is rational because

p and q are co-prime integers. But rational number
cannot be equal to an irrational number. Hence
2 + 5 3 is an irrational number.
87. Given that 2 is irrational, prove that (5 + 3 2 ) is
an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board 2018]
Assume that (5 + 3 2 ) is a rational number.
Therefore, we can write it in the form of qp where p
and q are co-prime integers and q ! 0 .
Now

5+3 2 =

p
q

where q ! 0 and p and q are integers.

Rewriting the above expression as,
p
3 2 = −5
q
2 =

p − 5q
3q

Here p -3q5q is rational because p and q are co-prime

integers, thus 2 should be a rational number. But
2 is irrational. This contradicts the given fact that
2 is irrational. Hence ^5 + 3 2 h is an irrational
number.
88. Write the smallest number which is divisible by both
306 and 657.
##Ans :
[Board 2019 OD]
The smallest number that is divisible by two numbers
is obtained by finding the LCM of these numbers
Here, the given numbers are 306 and 657.
306 = 6 # 51 = 3 # 2 # 3 # 17
657 = 9 # 73 = 3 # 3 # 73
LCM(306, 657) = 2 # 3 # 3 # 17 # 73

= 22338
Hence, the smallest number which is divisible by 306
and 657 is 22338.
89. Show that numbers 8n can never end with digit 0 of
any natural number n .
##Ans :
If the number 8n, for any n, were to end
with the digit zero, then it would be divisible
by 5 and 2. That is, the prime factorization
of 8n would contain the prime 5 and 2. This is not
possible because the only prime in the factorization
of (8) n = (23) n = 23n is 2. The uniqueness of the
Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic guarantees that
there are no other primes in the factorization of (8) n .
Since there is no prime factor 5, (8) n cannot end with
the digit zero.
�
90. 144 cartons of Coke cans and 90 cartons of Pepsi cans
are to be stacked in a canteen. If each stack is of
the same height and if it equal contain cartons of the
same drink, what would be the greatest number of
cartons each stack would have?
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011]
The required answer will be HCF of 144 and 90.
144 = 2 4 # 32
90 = 2 # 32 # 5
HCF(144, 90) = 2 # 32 = 18
Thus each stack would have 18 cartons.
Real Numbers
91. Three bells toll at intervals of 9, 12, 15 minutes
respectively. If they start tolling together, after what
time will they next toll together?
[Board Term-1 2011, Set-44]
##Ans :
The required answer is the LCM of 9, 12, and 15
minutes.

Chap 1
HCF (510, 92) × LCM (510, 92)

= 2 # 23460 = 46920
Product of two numbers = 510×92

Hence, HCF×LCM = Product of two numbers

94. The HCF of 65 and 117 is expressible in the form
65m–117. Find the value of m . Also find the LCM of
65 and 117 using prime factorization method.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011, Set-40]

Finding prime factor of given number we have,

9 = 3 # 3 = 32
12 = 2 # 2 # 3 = 22 # 3

Finding prime factor of given number we have,

15 = 3 # 5

117 = 13 # 2 # 3

LCM(9, 12, 15) = 22 # 32 # 5

65 = 13 # 5

= 150 minutes

HCF(117, 65) = 13

The bells will toll next together after 180 minutes.

LCM(117, 65) = 13 # 5 # 3 # 3 = 585

92. Find HCF and LCM of 16 and 36 by prime factorization

and check your answer.
##Ans :

HCF = 65m − 117

13 = 65m–117

Finding prime factor of given number we have,

65m = 117 + 13 = 130

16 = 2 # 2 # 2 # 2 = 2 4
2
36 = 2 # 2 # 3 # 3 = 2 # 3

LCM (16, 36) = 2 4 # 32

= 16 # 9 = 144
Check :
HCF(a, b) ×LCM(a, b) = a # b
4×144 = 16×36
576 = 576
Thus

m = 130 = 2
65

HCF(16, 36) = 2 # 2 = 4

or,

LHS = RHS

93. Find the HCF and LCM of 510 and 92 and verify that
HCF × LCM = Product of two given numbers.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011]

95. Express ^ 154 + 405 h as a decimal fraction without actual

division.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011, Set-74]
We have

= 3.75 + 0.125 = 3.875

96. Express the number 0.3178 in the form of rational
number a .
b
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011, Set-A1]
Let

HCF (510, 92) = 2

LCM (510, 92 = 22 # 23 # 3 # 5 # 14

x = 0.3178
x = 0.3178178178
10, 000x = 3178.178178...

92 = 22 # 23
510 = 30 # 17 = 2 # 3 # 5 # 17

15 + 5 = 15
25 + 5 × 25
4
40
4 # 25 40 25
= 375 + 125
100 1000

Finding prime factor of given number we have,

= 23460

46920

10x = 3.178178....
Subtracting, 9990x = 3175
or,
97. Prove that
##Ans :

x = 3175 = 635
9990 1998
2 is an irrational number.
[Board Term-1 2011, NCERT]
Chap 1
Let

Real Numbers
2 be a rational number.
2 =

Then

Hence,

p
,
q

p is irrational.

99. Prove that 3 +

##Ans :

where p and q are co-prime integers and

q ! 0 On squaring both the sides we have,
2 =

Page 17

5 is an irrational number.

Assume that 3 +
have

p2
q2

p
5 = , q!0
q

3+

p2 = 2p2

or,

Since p2 is divisible by 2, thus p is also divisible by 2.

Let p = 2r for some positive integer r , then we have
p2 = 4r2
2

2q = 4r

Since q2 is divisible by 2, thus q is also divisible by 2.

We have seen that p and q are divisible by 2, which
contradicts the fact that p and q are co-primes.
Hence, our assumption is false and 2 is irrational.

p be

p − 3q
q

Assume that

5 be a rational number then we have

5 =a,
b

(a ,b are co-primes and b ! 0 )

a =b 5
Squaring both the sides, we have

Thus 5 is a factor of a2 and in result 5 is also

where m and n are co-primes and n ! 0 .

Squaring on both sides, we get

a factor of a .
Let a = 5c where c is some integer, then we have

2
p = m2
n

pn2 = m2

5 =

a2 = 5b2

p =m,
n

Thus

p
−3
q

100.Prove that 5 is an irrational number and hence

show that 2 - 5 is also an irrational number.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2011]

98. If p is prime number, then prove that p is an

irrational.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2013]
Let p be a prime number and if possible, let
rational

5 =

Here 5 is irrational and p -q 3q is rational. But rational

number cannot be equal to an irrational number.
Hence 3 + 5 is an irrational number.
2

q2 = 2r2

or,

or,

5 is a rational number, then we

a2 = 25c2
...(1)

Substituting a2 = 5b2 we have

Here p divides pn2 . Thus p divides m2 and in result

5b2 = 25c2

p also divides m .

b2 = 5c2

Let m = pq for some integer q and putting m = pq

in eq. (1), we have
pn2 = p2 q2
or,

n = pq

Here p divides pq .Thus p divides n2 and in result p

also divides n .
[ a p is prime and p divides n2 & p divides n ]
Thus p is a common factor of m and n but this
contradicts the fact that m and n are primes. The
contradiction arises by assuming that p is rational.

Thus 5 is a factor of b2 and in result 5 is also a factor

of b .
Thus 5 is a common factor of a and b . But this
contradicts the fact that a and b are co-primes. Thus,
our assumption that 5 is rational number is wrong.
Hence 5 is irrational.
Let us assume that 2 -

5 be rational equal to a ,

then we have
2-

5 =a

2-a =
5
Real Numbers
Since we have assume 2 - a is rational, but 5 is
not rational. Rational number cannot be equal to an
irrational number. Thus 2 - 5 is irrational.
101.Show that exactly one of the number n, n + 2 or n + 4
is divisible by 3.
##Ans :
[Sample Paper 2017]
If n is divisible by 3, clearly n + 2 and n + 4
is not divisible by 3.
If n is not divisible by 3, then two case arise
as given below.
Case 1: n = 3k + 1
n + 2 = 3k + 1 + 2 = 3k + 3 = 3 (k + 1)
and

n + 4 = 3k + 1 + 4 = 3k + 5 = 3 (k + 1) + 2

We can clearly see that in this case n + 2 is divisible

by 3 and n + 4 is not divisible by 3. Thus in this case
only n + 2 is divisible by 3.
Case 1: n = 3k + 2
n + 2 = 3k + 2 + 2 = 3k + 4 = 3 (k + 1) + 1
and

n + 4 = 3k + 2 + 4 = 3k + 6 = 3 (k + 2)

We can clearly see that in this case n + 4 is divisible

by 3 and n + 2 is not divisible by 3. Thus in this case
only n + 4 is divisible by 3.
Hence, exactly one of the numbers n, n + 2, n + 4 is
divisible by 3.

Chap 1

Let a = 3c where c is some integer, then we have

a2 = 9c2
Substituting a2 = 3b2 we have
3b2 = 9c2
b2 = 3c2
Thus 3 is a factor of b2 and in result 3 is also a factor
of b .
Thus 3 is a common factor of a and b . But this
contradicts the fact that a and b are co-primes. Thus,
our assumption that 3 is rational number is wrong.
Hence 3 is irrational.
103.Prove that
##Ans :
Assume that

5 is an irrational number.
[Board 2020 OD Standard]

5 be a rational number then we have

5 =a,
b

where a and b are co-primes and b ! 0 .

a =b 5
Squaring both the sides, we have
a2 = 5b2
Thus 5 is a factor of a2 and in result 5 is also a factor
of a .
Let a = 5c where c is some integer, then we have
a2 = 25c2
Substituting a2 = 5b2 we have

##FOUR MARKS
102.Prove that
##Ans :

QUESTION

3 is an irrational number.
[Board 2020 OD Basic]

Assume that 3 is a rational number. Therefore, we

can write it in the form of ab where a and b are coprime integers and q ! 0 .
Assume that 3 be a rational number then we have
3 =a,
b
where a and b are co-primes and b ! 0 .
Now

a =b 3

Squaring both the sides, we have

a2 = 3b2
Thus 3 is a factor of a2 and in result 3 is also a factor
of a .

5b2 = 25c2
b2 = 5c2
Thus 5 is a factor of b2 and in result 5 is also a factor
of b .
Thus 5 is a common factor of a and b . But this
contradicts the fact that a and b are co-primes. Thus,
our assumption that 5 is rational number is wrong.
Hence 5 is irrational.
104.Find HCF and LCM of 378, 180 and 420 by prime
factorization method. Is HCF × LCM of these numbers
equal to the product of the given three numbers?
##Ans :
Finding prime factor of given number we have,
378 = 2 # 33 # 7
180 = 22 # 32 # 5
420 = 22 # 3 # 7 # 5
HCF(378, 180, 420) = 2 # 3 = 6
Chap 1

Real Numbers

LCM(378, 180, 420) = 22 # 33 # 5 # 7

= 22 # 33 # 5 # 7 = 3780
HCF×LCM = 6×3780 = 22680
Product of given numbers

Page 19

only prime in the factorization of 6n = (2 # 3) n are 2

and 3. The uniqueness of the Fundamental Theorem
of Arithmetic guarantees that there are no other
primes in the factorization of 6n . Since there is no
prime factor 5, 6n cannot end with the digit five.

= 378 # 180 # 420

= 28576800
Hence, HCF × LCM ! Product of three numbers.

105.State Fundamental theorem of Arithmetic. Find LCM

of numbers 2520 and 10530 by prime factorization by
3.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2016]
The fundamental theorem of arithmetic
(FTA), also called the unique factorization
theorem or the unique-prime-factorization
theorem, states that every integer greater than 1
either is prime itself or is the product of a unique
combination of prime numbers.
O
Every composite number can be expressed as the
product powers of primes and this factorization is
unique.
Finding prime factor of given number we have,
2520 = 20 # 126 = 20 # 6 # 21

= 23 # 32 # 5 # 7
10530 = 30 # 351 = 30 # 9 # 39

= 30 # 9 # 3 # 13
4

= 2 # 3 # 5 # 13
3

LCM(2520, 10530) = 2 # 3 # 5 # 7 # 13

= 294840
n
106.Can the number 6 , n being a natural number, end
with the digit 5 ? Give reasons.
[Board Term-1 2015]
##Ans :
n

If the number 6 for any n, were to end with

the digit five, then it would be divisible by 5.
That is, the prime factorization of 6n would
contain the prime 5. This is not possible because the

107.State Fundamental theorem of Arithmetic. Is it

possible that HCF and LCM of two numbers be 24
and 540 respectively. Justify your answer.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2015]
Fundamental theorem of Arithmetic : Every
integer greater than one ither is prime itself
or is the product of prime numbers and that
this product is unique. Up to the order of the factors.
LCM of two numbers should be exactly divisible by
their HCF. In other words LCM is always a multiple
of HCF. Since, 24 does not divide 540 two numbers
cannot have their HCF as 24 and LCM as 540.
HCF = 24
LCM = 540
LCM = 540 = 22.5 not an integer
24
HCF
108.For any positive integer n , prove that n3 - n is
divisible by 6.
##Ans :
We have

n3 - n = n (n2 − 1)

= ^n − 1h n ^n + 1h

= ^n − 1h n ^n + 1h
3
Thus n - n is product of three consecutive positive
integers.
Since, any positive integers a is of the form 3q, 3q + 1
or 3q + 2 for some integer q .
Let a, a + 1, a + 2 be any three consecutive integers.
Case I : a = 3q
If a = 3q then,
a ^a + 1h^a + 2h = 3q ^3q + 1h^3q + 2h

Product of two consecutive integers ^3q + 1h and

^3q + 2h is an even integer, say 2r .
Thus a ^a + 1h^a + 2h = 3q ^2r h

= 6qr , which is divisible by 6.

Case II : a = 3q + 1
Real Numbers
If a = 3q + 1 then
a ^a + 1h^a + 2h = ^3q + 1h^3q + 2h^3q + 3h

= ^2r h^3 h^q + 1h

that 7 + 2 3 is also an irrational number.

##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012]
Assume that

If a = 3q + 2 then
a ^a + 1h^a + 2h = ^3q + 2h^3q + 3h^3q + 4h

= 3 ^3q + 2h^q + 1h^3q + 4h

Here ^3q + 2h and = 3 ^3q + 2h^q + 1h^3q + 4h

3 be a rational number then we have

3 =a,
b

= 6r ^q + 1h
which is divisible by 6.
Case III : a = 3q + 2

Chap 1

a =b 3
Squaring both the sides, we have
a2 = 3b2
Thus 3 is a factor of a2 and in result 3 is also a factor
of a .
Let a = 3c where c is some integer, then we have

= multiple of 6 every q

= 6r (say)
which is divisible by 6. Hence, the product of three
consecutive integers is divisible by 6 and n3 - n is also
divisible by 3.
2

109.Prove that n - n is divisible by 2 for every positive

integer n .
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012 Set-25]
We have

n2 - n = n ^n − 1h

Thus n2 - n is product of two consecutive positive

integers.
Any positive integer is of the form 2q or 2q + 1, for
some integer q .
a2 = 9c2
Substituting a2 = 9b2 we have
3b2 = 9c2
b2 = 3c2
Thus 3 is a factor of b2 and in result 3 is also a factor
of b .
Thus 3 is a common factor of a and b . But this
contradicts the fact that a and b are co-primes. Thus,
our assumption that 3 is rational number is wrong.
Hence
3 is irrational.
Let us assume that 7 + 2 3 be rational equal to a ,
then we have

Case 1 : n = 2q

7+2 3 =

If n = 2q we have
2 3 =

n ^n - 1h = 2q ^2q − 1h

= 2m ,
where m = q ^2q − 1h which is divisible by 2.

Case 1 : n = 2q + 1

If n = 2q + 1, we have
n ^n - 1h = (2q + 1) ^2q + 1 − 1h

= 2q ^2q + 1h

= 2m

where m = q ^2q + 1h which is divisible by 2.

Hence, n2 - n is divisible by 2 for every positive

integer n .
110.Prove that

3 is an irrational number. Hence, show

(a ,b are co-primes and b ! 0 )

or

3 =

p
q

q ! 0 and p and q are co-primes

p
p − 7q
−7 =
q
q
p − 7q
2q

Here p - 7q and 2q both are integers, hence 3

should be a rational number. But this contradicts
the fact that 3 is an irrational number. Hence our
assumption is not correct and 7 + 2 3 is irrational.
111.Show that there is no positive integer n , for which
n − 1 + n − 1 is rational.
##Ans :
[Board Term-1 2012]
Let us assume that there is a positive integer
n for which
n − 1 + n − 1 is rational
and equal to qp , where p and q are positive
integers and ^q ! 0h .
n−1+ n−1 =

p
q

...(1)
Real Numbers
or,

q
=
p

1
n−1+ n+1

n−1− n+1

=
^ n − 1 + n + 1 h^ n − 1 − n + 1 h

= n−1− n+1
(n − 1) − (n + 1)
or

q
=
p

n−1− n+1
−2

2q
p
Adding (1) and (2), we get
n+1− n−1 =

2 n+1 =

p 2q
p2 + 2q2
=
+
q
p
pq

...(2)

...(3)

Subtracting (2) from (1) we have

2 n-1 =

p 2 − 2q 2
pq

...(4)

From (3) and (4), we observe that n + 1 and n - 1

both are rational because p and q both are rational.
But it possible only when ^n + 1h and ^n - 1h both are
perfect squares. But they differ by 2 and two perfect
squares never differ by 2. So both ^n + 1h and ^n - 1h
cannot be perfect squares, hence there is no positive
integer n for which n − 1 + n + 1 is rational.

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